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Digi Yatra for international flights: who can use it and how (trial, Nov–Dec 2026)
In short. Since 1 Nov 2026, Digi Yatra's face-based check-in is being trialled for international departures at seven Indian airports. Here's who it's for, how to set it up, and what you still need to carry.
What's new
- Trials for international passengers began 1 Nov 2026 and run through November to December 2026 (PIB, 1 Nov 2026).
- Airports: Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Mumbai, Chennai and Amritsar (PIB, 1 Nov 2026).
- Airlines: select international flights of Air India and IndiGo. BusinessLine reports the trial covers all international destinations served by Air India and select IndiGo destinations (Hindu BusinessLine, citing Digi Yatra Foundation).
- Where it works: terminal entry, Security Hold Area (security check) and boarding gates, wherever the airport has the equipment in place (PIB, 1 Nov 2026).
- Feedback from the trial will shape a wider rollout planned for 2027 (Hindustan Times, 1 Nov 2026; PIB, 1 Nov 2026).
Who can use it
Indian nationals who hold an e-passport (the chip-based passport), flying out on an eligible Air India or IndiGo international flight from one of the seven airports (PIB, 1 Nov 2026).
How to set it up (before you reach the airport)
- Install or update the Digi Yatra app (a refreshed app launched with the trial, per Digi Yatra Foundation) (Hindu BusinessLine; PIB, 1 Nov 2026).
- Create an e-passport based Verifiable Credential in the app: scan the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ, the two lines of text at the bottom of the photo page).
- Hold the passport to your phone so it reads the passport chip using NFC. Your phone must support NFC.
- Take a selfie and verify the details.
- The credential is saved in the Digi Yatra wallet on your phone and used at enabled airport touchpoints.
(PIB, 1 Nov 2026; Hindu BusinessLine.)
What it does NOT replace
- Carry your passport and travel documents.
- Airline document checks, immigration and all other formalities still apply. HT reports that integration with immigration is planned for a later stage (Hindustan Times, 1 Nov 2026).
Quick numbers (from PIB, 1 Nov 2026)
- Over 26.5 million Digi Yatra users.
- More than 110 million (about 11 crore) domestic journeys across 39 domestic airports.
- 25 more domestic airports planned by 2027.
Source: PIB, 1 Nov 2026.
Privacy note
Digi Yatra Foundation says the international rollout aims to work with global frameworks such as IATA One ID and ICAO's Public Key Directory while keeping passenger consent, privacy and security (Hindu BusinessLine). The credential is stored on your phone's Digi Yatra wallet (PIB, 1 Nov 2026).
Related on Soshyal
What you can do before you fly
- If you have an e-passport and an eligible Air India or IndiGo international flight from one of the seven airports, install or update the Digi Yatra app and create the e-passport credential before travel day.
- Confirm your phone supports NFC and that your passport chip reads in the app — leave time to fix issues at home, not at the terminal.
- Still pack your passport and travel documents; Digi Yatra does not replace immigration or airline checks.
- Share this with someone flying out on Air India or IndiGo soon
Pick your room
Flying from Hyderabad or another trial airport? Join Ask Hyderabad for neighbour chat about the app setup — general tips only, not official Digi Yatra support. Rooms are 18+.
Sources
- PIB, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Digi Yatra commences trials for international passengers, 1 Nov 2026
- The Hindu BusinessLine, Digi Yatra international passenger trials to go live at seven airports from Nov 1, 2026
- Hindustan Times, Digi Yatra trials for international flyers begin at 7 airports; rollout set for 2027, 1 Nov 2026
- CNBC-TV18, Ministry of Civil Aviation begins Digi Yatra international trials at seven airports, 1 Nov 2026
- Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on X, 1 Nov 2026
Last checked 2 Nov 2026. Trial details may change — check the Digi Yatra app before you travel. This page is general information only, not travel or legal advice.